Question about using different Diodes and Transister in the Cot50

[GuitarGas]

Okay, so I have just built the Lovepedal Cot50 http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com.au/2010/07/lovepedal-cot50.html
and although there are no specifics on what diodes to be used in the layout there are a few suggested options in the comments.

The Transistor in the layout suggests using a 2N5088.

Without building another layout with the various suggestions for Transistor and Diode alternatives, My question is what could I expect by using the following values mentioned in the comments, and what are alternatives would suit this build?

For Transistors the following was mentioned…
2N5089

For Diodes they were…
1N4148
BC449C
1N4001

For my build I used the suggested 2N5088 and a 1N4001 diode. Here is a link on my instagram page...
https://instagram.com/p/4sRtxlDtPd/

Without having to change the bias resistors, what could be a good fit for this build and what could I expect from using a different Transistor and diode?

I was going to ask this in the comments of the build page but seeing how the last comment on the page is dated back to Jan 2015 without a reply I might have more luck here.

Thanks in advance.

[Beaker]

I hate to sound harsh here, but stick some sockets in and try everything you have got. That way you get to hear the difference yourself..



It's just an Electra after all, nothing bad is going to happen.

[Beaker]

There are no hard and fast rules as to how different transistor / diode combination will sound in any given circuit - I'm just trying to gently nudge you into the journey of discovery that many of us have embarked on - the socket, suck it and see approach.

I would certainly try metal can 2N2222 in this for sure - hell you could go full germanium on this too - kind of like the Germanium Giant.

Your choice is only limited by two things - what you have in stock, and your imagination.

You could easily come up with something that sounds way better to your ears.

[tabbycat]

this guy is pretty good on explaining how to set up a basic test rig for clipping diodes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwRhTvcxUMk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYHqdSiOrJ8

it is all down to your ear. in the fuzz circuits i've built 1n4148 sounded brighter and grittier than 1n4001, which are darker and smoother. but in your circuit, to your ear, they may not be.
but which is the best for your needs depends on what you want them to do for you.

initially it might seem a lot of unecessary effort to experiment with combinations when you want to just build and go, but once you've done a few tests you get a feel for which diodes have which textures (according to your ear, which is the one that counts), and from then on you can begin to add diodes according to taste, like a chef adding herbs to a dish. past experience and personal taste combine to inform their decisions.

[GuitarGas]

Thanks for the feedback guys, it's appreciated, and tabbycat for the vid links.
I guess my apprehension in swapping out parts is due to their compatibility with the other components in the circuit. For example, if 'the wrong' diodes can damage the circuit etc...
Not being very advanced in the theory of DIY pedal building i'm kinda wading my way slowly into this stuff.
Thanks again guys, your suggestions and feedback IS very appreciated!

[Beaker]

GuitarGas, did you learn to read music before you learned guitar?

Or did you just dive right in and start with 3 chords?

Same thing applies here, you don't have to be an electronics expert to build pedals. By God it helps when it comes to designing pedals - the market is full of pedals that are poorly designed due to the designers lack of knowledge. But tinkering and experimenting with existing designs requires nothing more than a stock of different parts, and a little imagination.

There are very  few layouts on this site that you could damage by subbing parts for others - the same applies to making mistakes on a build - it either does not work at all, or it sounds wrong if you mis-place a component for example.

The only time to get a little wary about this is when Voltage inverters or charge pumps are involved - then you may get a little smoke and heat.

The reason I can't give any definative answer is that I have not built a COT 50. Maybe if you tell us what diodes and transistors you actually have, it would help.

For example, ME4003 transistors would give you a tighter, more compressed and darker sound than 2N5008, and metal can 2N2222 would give a grittier brighter sound.
Si diodes would also (typically) give a tighter, fatter, brighter sound with more volume, while Ge diodes will (typically) give a warmer, rounder, and less trebly sound with lower volume.

I hope this helps.